Bachelor of Nursing Science (CRICOS course code 078086M) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by University of the Sunshine Coast over 3 years 2 months (~165 weeks). This program prepares you for a rewarding career as a registered nurse, combining theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical placements. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 01595D), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. This page provides a detailed overview of fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and student visa information to help you plan your study journey in Australia.
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Bachelor of Nursing Science (CRICOS code 078086M) is a Level 7 Bachelor Degree in the field of General Nursing (Field of Education 060301). University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) delivers this program over 165 weeks (3 years and 2 months) with a mandatory work component of 20 weeks (800 hours) of clinical placements. The course is taught entirely in English and is a single qualification with no concurrent foundation or VET components. All delivery locations are within Queensland, Australia, offering students the opportunity to study in diverse regional and metropolitan settings. As a CRICOS-registered course, international students are protected under the ESOS Act and can access student visa pathways.
This Bachelor of Nursing Science program covers the essential disciplines of general nursing, including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, evidence-based practice, patient assessment, and healthcare ethics. Students develop clinical skills through supervised placements in hospitals, aged care facilities, and community health settings. The curriculum is designed to meet the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) standards, ensuring graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). While specific unit names may vary, the program typically includes subjects in health promotion, chronic illness management, mental health nursing, and cultural safety.
The course duration is 3 years and 2 months (165 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. This includes scheduled breaks and the mandatory clinical placement component. Instruction is in English only, and the program is offered as a single qualification (no dual degree or foundation pathway). Study load is typically full-time, with a mix of on-campus lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions at UniSC's various campuses.
The indicative total tuition fee for the Bachelor of Nursing Science is A$97,500, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register, bringing the estimated total to A$97,500. Please note: this figure does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the student visa application charge. International students should budget for OSHC (approximately A$600–$1,200 per year depending on policy), living costs (e.g., weekly rent in Queensland ranges from A$150–$400), and visa fees. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change — always confirm current fees directly with University of the Sunshine Coast at www.usc.edu.au.
International applicants typically require an overall IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 (with no band below 5.5–6.0) or equivalent English test, plus a qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12. Prerequisites often include biology or chemistry. Some applicants may need to complete a foundation program or pathway course. UniSC offers pathway options through its tertiary preparation programs; check the provider's website for specific entry criteria. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission — all applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Yes — this course includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks (40 hours per week, approximately 800 total hours). This consists of supervised clinical placements in healthcare settings such as hospitals, aged care facilities, and community health centres. Placements are integrated throughout the program and allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Students are responsible for meeting placement requirements, including immunisations and police checks, as advised by the university.
The Bachelor of Nursing Science is delivered at five UniSC campuses across Queensland: UniSC Caboolture (Caboolture), UniSC Fraser Coast (Hervey Bay), UniSC Gympie (Gympie), UniSC Moreton Bay (Petrie), and UniSC Sunshine Coast (Sippy Downs). Each campus serves a distinct region: Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay are close to Brisbane with good public transport; Fraser Coast and Gympie offer regional living with lower cost of living. All campuses are CRICOS-registered locations providing the same accredited curriculum.
International students must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. While undertaking the study component, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight; during scheduled breaks, unlimited hours are permitted. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status and sufficient financial capacity. The Department of Home Affairs also requires evidence of English proficiency and admission to a CRICOS-registered course. For personalised advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
Follow these three steps to apply for Bachelor of Nursing Science at University of the Sunshine Coast: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses and confirm that University of the Sunshine Coast (CRICOS 01595D) is listed. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Meet entry requirements (English test, academic qualifications) and submit an application through UniSC's international admissions portal. Note application deadlines. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, use the CoE to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet GTE, OSHC, and financial requirements.
Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, including numerous nursing programs. When choosing a nursing degree, consider the cost of living in your chosen city or region. For example, Queensland's regional campuses (Gympie, Hervey Bay) typically have cheaper rents (A$150–$250 per week) than the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane (A$200–$400). Also factor in clinical placement locations as you may need to travel. Ensure the program is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) for registration eligibility. HeadStart Academy provides free, unbiased data from the official CRICOS register to help you make an informed decision.
Ready to start your nursing journey in Australia? Use HeadStart Academy to explore more CRICOS-registered courses and apply directly to University of the Sunshine Coast. All data sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) — free, no commission.
Bachelor of Nursing Science is a CRICOS-registered programme at University of the Sunshine Coast. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.